Introduction

A tragic incident in Oregon has set off alarm bells across the nation as a house cat succumbed to illness after eating pet food contaminated with avian influenza, raising concerns over safety practices in the pet food industry. Based in Portland, Northwest Naturals has announced a voluntary recall of its Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food, which is believed to be the source of the virus.

Investigation and Confirmation

The Oregon Department of Agriculture confirmed that the cat, an exclusively indoor pet, contracted the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu from the pet food. State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz stated, “We are confident that this cat contracted the virus through the Northwest Naturals product, as the genetic sequencing confirmed a direct match between the virus present in the food and in the cat.”

Recall Details

The affected product, sold in two-pound plastic bags with “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026, was distributed in multiple states including Arizona, California, and Florida, as well as in British Columbia, Canada. Pet owners who purchased this raw food are urged to dispose of it immediately and seek refunds from their point of purchase.

Human Health Concerns

Fortunately, there have been no reported human infections tied to this specific case thus far. However, authorities are closely monitoring individuals who had contact with the infected cat for any signs of flu-like symptoms. Nationally, over 60 individuals across eight states have been diagnosed with the virus, mostly presenting with mild symptoms. The first known severe human case in the U.S. was reported last week in Louisiana.

Broader Context

In a broader context, the CDC has confirmed a single human case of bird flu in Oregon linked to a prior outbreak at a commercial poultry facility. This individual made a complete recovery after experiencing mild illness. Moreover, just last month, a pig at a small farm in Oregon was discovered to have contracted the virus; this marked a worrying first for avian influenza detected within U.S. swine.

Conclusion

This incident underscores the necessity for rigorous safety standards in pet food production and heightened vigilance among pet owners regarding food recalls. As avian influenza spreads through animal populations, consumers must remain informed and proactive about the potential risks associated with raw pet food diets. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and to ensure your pets are safe!